Thursday, June 21, 2012

2 Corinthians 4:16-18 -- On Focusing on the Eternal

"For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.
For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;
While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal."
2 Corinthians 4:16-18



This is great: "we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things that are not seen."  It sounds so cool and deep and mysterious... and then when you think about it in relation to the gospel, also so true.  If we're focusing on God and having his spirit with us, we're focusing on and looking at the unseen... and the seen completely pales in comparison.  That's why in the first verse we can be renewed, even when perishing.  We can weather any storm of life because we aren't looking at the scary visible things threatening to tear us apart with their claws... we don't have to be threatened by those silly temporal monsters anymore.  We see, and know, and feel the spiritual reality, and that we're absolutely safe if we stick with God.  The things that we suffer or are afflicted by in the seen world look scary with our eyes, but they are light in comparison with what they are teaching us and all we are becoming in an eternal sense.  Today, let's focus on the eternal things which are not seen, and worry a little less about the silly visible monsters. :)

3 comments:

  1. This was a most encouraging post. I'm going through "momentary afflictions" (which don't feel all that "light") but have the hope of glory in the life to come in heaven.

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  2. Glad you liked it. Definitely, they don't always feel light... but still, at least for me, it helps to remember that they are temporary in comparison with eternity. :)

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  3. For a christian trials & afflictiona are common ,but he doesn't faint as the lord will equip him with the power and make him an overcomer through christ Jesus.The assurance of our faith & hope is the resurrection of Jesus.The joy of lord is our strength.

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